The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) is mandated to be a global leader in bather protection against shark while minimising environmental impact, thus promoting tourism. The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is the only coastline with 37 beaches equipped with bather safety gear owned and maintained by the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence in South Africa.

The KZNSB also conducts research into the biology of sharks and other animals caught in shark safety gear, and offers a public education programme on safety precautions that must be adhered to by bathers. The KZNSB with over 50 years of experience, is the oldest and only organisation in South Africa dedicated to providing bather protection against sharks. As such, it is a specialist in its field. As a result of this specialist knowledge, the KZNSB has an international reputation as the leader in the field of bather protection against sharks.

Tourist visits to the Province’s beaches form a significant proportion of international and local tourism.  Bather protection against sharks ensures the safety of tourists and supports tourism growth.  Key supporting activities include educational outreach and marine tourism programmes to create awareness about safe bathing and the marine environment.

In summary the KZN Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence:

• Protects bathers against shark attacks
• Conducts biological research on sharks
• Educates the public about the activities of the KZN Sharks Board
• Informs the public about the role of sharks in the marine environment
• Contributes immensely towards beach tourism in KwaZulu-Natal